Methods and devices for the treatment of aneurysms

ABSTRACT

A device for at least partially occluding an aneurysm is disclosed. The device includes a first elongate member having a distal end. A bridge is positioned proximate the distal end and transformable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. A second elongate member is movable relative to the first elongate member, the first and second elongate members being configured such that one can be moved relative to the other in order to transform the bridge between the delivery and deployed configurations.

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of and claims priority ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/990,978, filed Nov. 20, 2001 andentitled “REMOVABLE OCCLUSION SYSTEM FOR ANEURYSM NECK”, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,780,196, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/301,084, filed Apr. 28, 1999 and entitled “REMOVABLE OCCLUSION SYSTEMFOR ANEURYSM NECK” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,048 on Feb. 5,2002, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/891,011,filed on Jul. 10, 1997, entitled REMOVABLE OCCLUSION SYSTEM FOR ANEURYSMNECK” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,260 on Jul. 27, 1999, thecontent of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to devices for treatinganeurysms. More specifically, the present invention pertains toocclusion systems for the treatment of aneurysms.

Several methods of treating aneurysms have been attempted, with varyingdegrees of success. For example, open craniotomy is a procedure by whichan aneurysm is located, and treated, extravascularly. This type ofprocedure has significant disadvantages. For example, the patientundergoing open craniotomy must undergo general anesthesia. Also, thepatient undergoes a great deal of trauma in the area of the aneurysm byvirtue of the fact that the surgeon must sever various tissues in orderto reach the aneurysm. In treating cerebral aneurysms extravascularly,for instances, the surgeon must typically remove a portion of thepatient's skull, and must also traumatize brain tissue in order to reachthe aneurysm.

Other techniques used in treating aneurysms are performedendovascularly. Such techniques typically involve attempting to form amass within the sac of the aneurysm. Typically, a microcatheter is usedto access the aneurysm. The distal tip of the micro catheter is placedwithin the sac of the aneurysm, and the microcatheter is used to injectembolic material into the sac of the aneurysm. The embolic materialincludes, for example, detachable coils or an embolic agent, such as aliquid polymer. The injection of these types of embolic materials sufferfrom disadvantages, most of which are associated with migration of theembolic material out of the aneurysm into the parent artery. This cancause permanent and irreversible occlusion of the parent artery.

For example, when detachable coils are used to occlude an aneurysm whichdoes not have a well defined neck region, the detachable coils canmigrate out of the sac of the aneurysm and into the parent artery.Further, it is, at times, difficult to gauge exactly how full the sac ofthe aneurysm is when detachable coils are being injected. Therefore,there is a risk of overfilling the aneurysm in which case the detachablecoils also spill out into the parent artery.

Another disadvantage of detachable coils involves coil compaction overtime. After filling the aneurysm, there remains space between the coils.Continued hemodynamic forces from the circulation act to compact thecoil mass resulting in a cavity in the aneurysm neck. Thus, the aneurysmcan recanalize.

Embolic agent migration is also a problem. For instance, where a liquidpolymer is injected into the sac of the aneurysm, it can migrate out ofthe sac of the aneurysm due to the hemodynamics of the system. This canalso lead to irreversible occlusion of the parent vessel.

Techniques have been attempted in order to deal with the disadvantagesassociated with embolic material migration to the parent vessel. Somesuch techniques, commonly referred to as flow arrest techniques,typically involve temporarily occluding the parent vessel proximal ofthe aneurysm, so that no blood flow occurs through the parent vessel,until a thrombotic mass has formed in the sac of the aneurysm whichhelps reduce the tendency of the embolic material to migrate out of theaneurysm sac. However, thrombotic mass can dissolve through normal lysisof blood. Also, in certain cases, it is highly undesirable to occludethe parent vessel even temporarily. Therefore, this technique is, attimes, not available as a treatment option. In addition, even occludingthe parent vessel may not prevent all embolic material migration intothe parent vessel.

Another endovascular technique for treating aneurysms involves insertinga detachable balloon into the sac of the aneurysm using a microcatheter.The detachable balloon is then inflated using saline and/or contrastfluid. The balloon is then detached from the microcatheter and leftwithin the sac of the aneurysm in an attempt to fill the sac of theaneurysm. However, detachable balloons also suffer disadvantages. Forexample, detachable balloons, when inflated, typically will not conformto the interior configuration of the aneurysm sac. Instead, thedetachable balloon requires the aneurysm sac to conform to the exteriorsurface of the detachable balloon. Thus, there is an increased risk thatthe detachable balloon will rupture the sac of the aneurysm. Further,detachable balloons can rupture and migrate out of the aneurysm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention pertains to a device for atleast partially occluding an aneurysm. The device includes a firstelongate member having a distal end. A bridge is positioned proximatethe distal end and transformable between a delivery configuration and adeployed configuration. A second elongate member is movable relative tothe first elongate member, the first and second elongate members beingconfigured such that one can be moved relative to the other in order totransform the bridge between the delivery and deployed configurations.

Another embodiment pertains to another device for at least partiallyoccluding an aneurysm. The device comprises a first elongate member witha proximal end, a distal end and an elongated length therebetween. Aclip assembly is attached proximate to the distal end of the firstelongate member. The clip is moveable between a first position and asecond position. The device further comprises a bridge positionedproximate to the clip assembly. The bridge is expandable between adelivery configuration, wherein the clip is in the first position, and adeployed configuration, wherein the clip is in the second position.

Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to yet anotherdevice for at least partially sealing an aneurysm. The device comprisesa first elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end with anelongated length therebetween. An aneurysm neck bridge is releasablyconnected to the distal end of the first elongate member at a connectionpoint. The aneurysm neck bridge has a proximal end and a distal end, andincludes a first array having a deployed configuration and a deliveryconfiguration. The first array is formed proximate the distal end of theaneurysm neck bridge. The aneurysm neck bridge further comprises asecond array having a deployed configuration and a deliveryconfiguration. The second array is formed proximate the proximal end ofthe aneurysm neck bridge.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention pertains to a method ofat least partially occluding an aneurysm having a neck. The methodincludes the step of providing a device to occlude the aneurysm, thedevice having a two array bridge having a delivery configuration and adeployed configuration. Further, the method includes inserting thedevice into a parent vessel, and navigating the device to the neck ofthe aneurysm. The method further includes deploying the first array ofthe bridge inside the aneurysm, and deploying the second array of thebridge outside the aneurysm. The two array bridge is detached at theconnection point. The method also provides for optionally deliveringcoils or other material to fill the inside of the aneurysm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a neck occlusion device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side and end views, respectively, of the neckocclusion device shown in FIG. 1 in an expanded position.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 2A in an expandedposition.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate the deployment of the neck occlusion device shownin FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B during treatment of an aneurysm.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the neck occlusion device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of a neck occlusion device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 10-11D illustrate two additional embodiments of a neck occlusiondevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 12-13B illustrate yet another embodiment of a neck occlusiondevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 14A-14I illustrate additional embodiments of neck occlusiondevices in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate yet another embodiment of a neck occlusiondevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate yet another embodiment of a neck occlusiondevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates yet another embodiment of a neck occlusion device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a wide neck multi span bridge.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a clip assembly.

FIG. 20 is a side view of an elongate member that includes the clipassembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the elongate member shown inFIG. 20 in combination with a delivery tube and the multi span bridge ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the multi span bridge of FIG. 23 in a deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic view that shows the multi span bridge of FIG.21 deployed in an aneurysm.

FIG. 24 is a profile view of a two basket aneurysm neck bridge between adelivery configuration, and a deployed configuration.

FIGS. 24-1 to 24-5 are schematic illustrations that show an expansion ofa portion of the two basket aneurysm neck bridge from a collapsedconfiguration to a deployed configuration.

FIG. 25 is a profile view of the two basket aneurysm neck bridge in adeployed configuration.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view that shows a microcatheter and the twobasket aneurysm neck bridge in the delivery configuration.

FIGS. 27-1 through 27-3 are schematic illustrations that show deploymentof the two basket bridge in an aneurysm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a neck occlusion device 10 inaccordance with the present invention. Device 10 includes outer tubularmember 12, inner-tubular member 14, and mesh portion 16. Tubes 12 and 14are preferably coaxially arranged relative to one another, and arelongitudinally slidable relative to one another. Mesh portion 16 isattached, at its distal end 18, to a distal portion 20 of inner tubularmember 14. Mesh 16 is attached at its proximal end 22 to a distalportion 24 of outer tubular member 12.

Mesh portion 16 is preferably formed of braided or woven filaments orfibers which are relatively flexible. Therefore, when tubes 12 and 14are moved relative to one another, mesh portion 16 is deployed radiallyoutwardly relative to the tubes 12 and 14. This is illustrated by FIG.2A.

FIG. 2A shows similar items to those shown in FIG. 1, and they aresimilarly numbered. However, in FIG. 2A, inner tube 14 has beenretracted in the direction indicated by arrow 26 relative to outer tube12. This causes the distal end 20 of inner tube 14 to approach thedistal end 24 of outer tube 12. This also, consequently, causes thecentral portion of mesh 16 to deploy radially outwardly relative to thetwo tubular members 12 and 14 to form a substantially disk-shaped (ordish-shaped) configuration. It should also be noted that a pull wire canbe alternatively implemented in place of tube 14. FIG. 2B is an end viewof device 10 in the deployed position shown in FIG. 2A. However, FIG. 2Balso shows that mesh portion 16 is relatively porous. This hasadvantages discussed with respect to FIGS. 3-7.

FIG. 2C illustrates device 10 with inner tube 14 even further retractedin the direction indicated by arrow 26 relative to outer tube 12. Thiscauses mesh portion 16 to assume a general dish or concave shape. Thepresent invention contemplates deployment of device 10 in this shape aswell as in the other deployed shapes discussed herein.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate the deployment of device 10 in treating ananeurysm. FIG. 3 shows a blood vessel 28 having a main lumen 30 whichbifurcates into two branch lumens 32 and 34 which communicate with lumen30. At a region proximate the transition from lumen 30 to branch lumens32 and 34, aneurysm 36 has formed in the vessel wall. Aneurysm 36 has aninterior sac portion 38 and a neck region 40. In order to treat aneurysm36, FIG. 3 illustrates that device 10 is advanced through thevasculature, through lumen 30, to a region proximate the neck 40 ofaneurysm 36. In the preferred embodiment, inner tube 14 has a distalextension portion 42 which extends beyond the distal end of mesh 16.

FIG. 4 illustrates that, once device 10 is placed in the region of neck40 in the vasculature, mesh portion 16 is moved to its deployed (orradially expanded) position. This is done as described with respect toFIG. 2A, by moving tubes 14 and 16 longitudinally relative to oneanother to cause mesh portion 16 to deploy radially outwardly. FIG. 4shows that, in the preferred embodiment, mesh portion 16, when deployed,substantially overlies the entire neck portion 40 of aneurysm 36.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIGS. 3 and 4, and similar items are similarlynumbered. However, FIG. 5 illustrates that, once mesh portion 16 isdeployed over the neck region 40 of aneurysm 36, embolic material 44 isplaced in the interior sac 38 of aneurysm 36. In one preferredembodiment, the embolic material includes any suitable embolic material,such as coils, detachable coils, liquid embolic agents, or othersuitable embolic material. The apertures in mesh portion 36 allow bloodto migrate out of the sac portion 38 of aneurysm 36 upon being displacedin aneurysm 36 by embolic materials introduced into aneurysm 36. Also,device 10, when deployed, preferably has a low enough profile that itdoes not block any of lumens 30, 32 or 34. The porous nature of meshportion 16 also allows blood to flow through vessels 30, 32 and 34through mesh portion 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, becauseaneurysm 36 is located in a region where lumen 30 bifurcates into lumens32 and 34, mesh portion 16 may typically have a larger outer diameterthan the inner diameter of lumen 30. In other words, mesh portion 16,when deployed, expands radially outwardly and extends down a portion oflumens 32 and 34. In being so formed, the outer diameter of mesh portion16, in the deployed position, can be larger than the inner diameter oflumen 30. However, since mesh portion 16 collapses to the position shownin FIG. 3, it can be advanced and removed through vessel 30, yet stillbe deployed in a large enough configuration to substantially block theentire neck region 40 of aneurysm 36.

FIG. 6 shows another preferred way of placing embolic material 44 in thesac 38 of aneurysm 36. FIG. 6 illustrates that a microcatheter 46 hasbeen advanced through lumen 30 and through the apertures in mesh portion16. Of course, microcatheter 46 can also be placed in the sac 38 ofaneurysm 36 prior to the deployment of mesh portion 16. In that case,when mesh portion 16 is deployed, it simply deflects a portion ofmicrocatheter 46 out toward the wall of the neck region 40 of aneurysm36, but does not exert enough pressure on microcatheter 46 to pinch offor close the lumen thereof. Therefore, embolic materials can still beadvanced therethrough. It should also be noted that, in the embodimentshown in FIG. 6, where a separate microcatheter 46 is used to introduceembolic material into the sac 38 of aneurysm 36, the central tube 14 ofdevice 10 need not be hollow, but can instead be a core wire device, oranother suitable solid elongate member.

FIG. 7 illustrates device 10 as deployed in treating an aneurysm 36′.Aneurysm 36′ is similar to aneurysm 36, except that it is offset fromthe region where lumen 30 bifurcates into lumens 32 and 34. However, itis only offset by a small distance. Therefore, device 10 can bemaneuvered to have its distal tip within the sac 38′ of aneurysm 36′.Also, it is offset by a distance which is small enough that longitudinalpressure applied to device 10 through tubes 12 and 14 causes deployedmesh portion 16 to abut and substantially overlie the neck region 40′ ofaneurysm 36′. It should be noted that the longitudinal force applied cancause mesh portion 16 to direct a force against the neck region 40either directly, or by the tubes 12 and 14 backing up against lumen wall48 which is substantially directly across from the opening in neckregion 40′ of aneurysm 36′. This causes tubes 12 and 14 to deflecttoward the neck region 40′ of aneurysm 36′ and exert a forcethereagainst.

FIG. 8 illustrates device 10 formed in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, a resilient materiallayer 50 is disposed over the outer radial surface of mesh portion 16.Resilient layer 50 is preferably a stretchy, woven material which has anumber of apertures or perforations formed therein. However, theperforations are not as large as those which are formed in mesh portion16, itself. Layer 50 thus provides the added advantage that mesh portion16, when deployed, has a greater surface area facing neck region 40 ofaneurysm 36. This enhances the ability of device 10 to deflect embolicmaterial introduced into the sac 38 of aneurysm 36 back into aneurysm36, and to keep it from migrating through neck portion 40 into thelumens 30, 32 or 34 of vessel 28. However, the perforations still allowblood from the sac 38 of aneurysm 36 to flow out into vessels 30, 32 or34, upon being displaced by embolic materials introduced into the sac 38of aneurysm 36.

FIG. 9 illustrates another method of using device 10 in accordance withthe present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, device 10 hassubstantially the same elements as that shown in FIG. 1. However, device10 is configured to form a longer, wider tubular configuration whendeployed radially outwardly, than that shown in FIGS. 2A, 4, 5 and 7.Thus, device 10 is more suitable for use in treating aneurysms, such asaneurysm 52, which is formed in a vessel wall that is not near abifurcation in the vasculature. In the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 9, microcatheter 54 is first introduced through neck region 56 ofaneurysm 52 and into the sac of aneurysm 52. Then, device 10 is placedproximate neck region 56 and deployed to the expanded position shown inFIG. 9. Embolic material is then introduced through microcatheter 54into aneurysm 52 and device 10 is in place to deflect back into aneurysm52 substantially all embolic material which would otherwise tend tomigrate through neck 56 into the parent vessel.

Alternatively, device 10 can first be introduced and placed proximateneck portion 56 of aneurysm 52 and maintained in the collapsed position.Microcatheter 54 is then introduced into aneurysm 52 and device 10 isthen deployed outwardly. Also, as with the embodiment described in FIG.6, mesh portion 16 of device 10 can be formed of a material having wideenough apertures that microcatheter 54 can be introduced therethrough.In that embodiment, it does not matter whether device 10 is firstdeployed, and then microcatheter 54 is inserted in aneurysm 52, orwhether microcatheter 54 is first inserted in aneurysm 52 and thendevice 10 is deployed.

Of course, as with respect to device 10 shown in FIG. 8, the embodimentof device 10 shown in FIG. 9 can also be covered by a resilient materiallayer 50. Substantially the same advantages are achieved by such acovering layer as those achieved in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

It should further be noted that device 10 shown in FIG. 9 preferably hassubstantial perforations or apertures therein, when deployed. Thisserves two purposes. First, it allows blood to flow out of aneurysm 52as it is displaced by an embolic material. Also, it allows blood tocontinue flowing through the parent vessel, and thus does not tend tocause occlusion of the parent vessel when deployed in the parent vessel.

In one preferred embodiment, mesh portion 16 is formed of woven strandsof polymer material, such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester. Thepolymer strands can be filled with a radiopaque material which allowsthe physician treating the aneurysm to fluoroscopically visualize thelocation of mesh portion 16 within the vasculature. Radiopaque fillermaterials preferably include bismuth trioxide, tungsten, titaniumdioxide or barium sulfate, or radiopaque dyes such as iodine. It shouldalso be noted that mesh portion 16 can be formed by strands ofradiopaque material. The radiopaque strands allow the physician tofluoroscopically visualize the location of mesh portion 16, without theuse of filled polymer materials. Such radiopaque strands may preferablybe formed of gold, platinum, or a platinum/iridium alloy.

In the embodiment in which mesh portion 16 is formed of radiopaque metalstrands, it is preferred to cover the strands with a polymer coating orextrusion. The coating or extrusion over the radiopaque wire strandsprovides fluoroscopic visualization of mesh portion 16, but alsoincreases the resistance of the strands to bending fatigue and may alsoincrease lubricity of the strands. The polymer coating or extrusion, inone preferred embodiment, is coated or treated with an agent which tendsto resist clotting, such as heparin. Such clot resistant coatings aregenerally known. The polymer coating or extrusion can be any suitableextrudable polymer, or any polymer that can be applied in a thincoating, such as teflon or polyurethane.

In yet another embodiment, the strands of mesh portion 16 are formedusing both metal and polymer braided strands. Combining the metalstrands with the polymer strands into a braid changes the flexibilitycharacteristics of mesh portion 16. The force required to deploy orcollapse such a mesh portion is significantly reduced over that requiredfor a mesh portion that includes only metal mesh strands. However, theradiopaque characteristics of the mesh for fluoroscopic visualizationare retained. Metal strands forming such a device preferably includestainless steel, gold, platinum, platinum/iridium or nitinol. Polymerstrands forming the device can preferably include nylon, polypropylene,polyester or teflon. Further, polymer strands of mesh portion 16 can bechemically modified to make them radiopaque, such as by using golddeposition onto the polymer strands, or by using ion beam plasmadeposition of suitable metal ions onto the polymer strands.

Mesh portion 16 can also be formed with filaments or strands of varyingdiameter and/or varying flexibility. By varying the size or flexibilityof the polymer strands, the flexibility characteristics of mesh portion16, upon deployment, can also be varied. By varying the flexibilitycharacteristics, both the deployed and collapsed configuration of meshportion 16 can be varied or changed to substantially any desired shape.As with previous embodiments, preferred materials for the strandsinclude nylon, polypropylene, polyester and teflon.

Not only can mesh portion 16 be formed of both polymer strands orfilaments and metal strands or filaments, but it can be formed usingfilaments of different polymer materials. For example, different polymermaterials having different flexibility characteristics can be used informing mesh portion 16. This alters the flexibility characteristics tochange the resultant configuration of mesh portion 16 in both thedeployed and the collapsed positions.

FIGS. 10-14I illustrate the present invention formed in the shape of acollapsing tube. FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of device 60 inaccordance with the present invention. Device 60 includes inner tube 62and outer tube 64. Tubes 62 and 64 are preferably coaxially arrangedrelative to one another. Collapsing tube portion 66 is coupled to innertube 62 and outer tube 64. Collapsing tube portion 66 can be a separatemember coupled to tubes 62 and 64, or it can be integrally formed withone or both of tubes 62 and 64. Collapsing tube portion 66 has a distalend 68 thereof which is attached to distal portion 70 of inner tube 62.Collapsing tube portion 66 also has a proximal end 72 which is attachedto a distal region 74 of outer tube 64. In the embodiment shown in FIG.10, collapsing tube 60 has a plurality of notches 76 formed therein. Byforming notches 76, a plurality of struts 78 are defined therebetweenand extend generally from the proximal end 72 of collapsing tube portion66 to the distal end 68 thereof.

FIG. 11A illustrates device 60 in the deployed position. Tubes 62 and 64are preferably longitudinally moveable relative to one another.Therefore, in order to deploy device 60, inner tube 62 is pulled in thedirection generally indicated by arrow 80 relative to outer tube 64.This causes the distal end 74 of outer tube 64 to advance toward thedistal end 70 of inner tube 62. This movement causes the struts 78defined by notches 76 to bow or deploy generally radially outwardly,away from tubes 62 and 64 to the configuration shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of device 60. FIG. 11B illustrates thatstruts 78 deploy radially outwardly in a flower pedal-like arrangement.Thus, notches 76 allow for the movement of blood out from within ananeurysm being treated by device 60 as it is replaced by embolicmaterial, but struts 78 form deflecting surfaces to inhibit migration ofthe embolic material out of the aneurysm.

Thus, device 60 can be used in a similar fashion to device 10 shown inFIGS. 1-10 and discussed in greater detail above. However, device 60provides struts 78 which typically have a larger constant surface areathan the filaments forming mesh portion 16 of device 10. Thus, bloodclotting may be less likely to occur around device 60. Also, the profileof device 60 in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 10 is typicallyslightly larger than the profile of mesh portion 16 when in thecollapsed position shown in FIG. 1. However, device 60 is also typicallyless dense than mesh portion 16 when in the collapsed position and thusallows for easier blood flow around it during advancement or retractionin the vasculature.

FIG. 11C illustrates device 60 with a modification. Thread or suturematerial 82 is laced or threaded through struts 78 and across the spacesformed by notches 76 to create a mesh in notches 76. Suture material 82thus provides additional surface area when device 60 is deployed. Thisadditional surface area serves to enhance the ability of device 60 todeflect coils or other embolic material to keep it from migrating out ofthe aneurysm being treated. Any suitable type of polymer, thread, suturematerial, or other suitable polymer strands can be used to form thread82.

FIG. 11D shows an end view of device 60 where outer tube 64 has beenrotated with respect to inner tube 62. This causes the proximal ends ofstruts 78 to be rotated relative to the distal ends of struts 78 aboutthe periphery of tubes 62 and 64. This type of rotation typicallyreduces the overall outer diameter of device 60 in the deployedposition. It also changes the spacing between struts 78. In other words,the proximal ends of struts 78 are rotated to fill in a portion of thenotches 76, when viewed from the distal end of device 60, to provideadditional surface area for deflection of embolic material. Also, sincethe rotation of tubes 62 and 64 relative to one another changes theoverall outer diameter of device 60 in the deployed position, thisfeature can be used in order to accommodate aneurysms having variousneck sizes.

FIGS. 12-13B illustrate another embodiment of a sliced tube device inaccordance with the present invention. FIG. 12 shows device 84 in acollapsed position. Device 84 is similar to device 60 in that acollapsing tube portion 86 has a plurality of struts,88 formed therein.However, instead of struts 88 being formed between notches or physicalvoids in tube portion 86, tube portion 86 simply includes a plurality oflongitudinal slices 90 which define struts 88.

In addition, an inner collapsible tube portion 92 is also provided indevice 84. Inner collapsible tube portion 92 is similar to outercollapsible tube portion 86, and is preferably coaxially arrangedrelative to outer tube portion 86. The outer tube 86 has an innerdiameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of inner tube92. Inner tube portion 92 also has a plurality of generally longitudinalcuts 94 formed therein to define inner struts 96. Outer collapsible tubeportion 86 and inner collapsible tube portion 92 are preferably coupledto one another at their distal ends and to the distal end of inner tube62. The proximal ends of inner and outer collapsible tube portion 86 and92 are coupled to a distal region 74 of tube 64 and are slidable overinner tube 62.

FIG. 13A shows device 84 in the deployed position. Inner tube 62 ismovable longitudinally within the interior of inner collapsible tubeportion 92. Therefore, withdrawal of tube 62 relative to tube 64 causesboth the distal ends of inner and outer collapsible tube portions 84 and92 to advance toward their respective proximal ends. This causes thestruts 88 and 96 to deploy radially outwardly as shown in FIG. 13A.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, struts 88 are angularly offset aboutthe outer periphery of device 84 from inner struts 96. Therefore, whendevice 84 is deployed, the inner struts 96 deploy outwardly within thegaps left by the deployed outer struts 88. This is better illustrated inFIG. 13B which is an end view taken from the distal end of device 84shown in FIG. 13A.

Devices 60 and 84 are preferably formed of any suitable material, suchas PVC, polyurethane, low density polyethylene or nitinol. The design ofthe struts in devices 60 and 84 provide a relatively large andconsistent surface area, with also relatively large amount of spacebetween the deployed struts, when in the deployed position.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate another embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 14A is a side sectional view of device 100 and FIG. 14Bis simply a side view of device 100 showing a plurality of strips 102and 104. FIG. 14C illustrates device 100 in the radially deployedposition. Device 100 is similar to devices 60 and 84. However, device100 includes a plurality of strips or struts 102 which are formed, notby making longitudinal cuts or notches in the outer and inner tubes, butrather by adhering a plurality of discrete strips to the tubes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14A, device 100 includes outer strips102 and inner strips 104. Strips 102 are illustrated by the solid linesand strips 104 are illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 14B. It canbe seen that strips 102 are radially located outside of, or over, strips104 relative to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube 62. Strips 102are adhered at distal ends thereof to inner strips 104 which are offsetangularly relative to strips 102. Distal ends of strips 102 and 104 arenot only connected to one another, but they are also connected to thedistal end of inner tube 62. The proximal ends of strips 102 and 104 arenot only adhered to one another, but are also adhered to the distal endof outer tube 64. Therefore, when tubes 62 and 64 are movedlongitudinally relative to one another to bring their distal ends closerto one another, device 100 deploys radially outwardly as shown in FIG.14C.

It should also be noted that, instead of flat strips of material, device100 can be formed of threads or wires or other filamentous or fibrousmaterial adhered or connected in the same manner as strips 102 and 104.As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-13B, the preferred material forforming strips 102 and 104 includes PVC, polyurethane, low densitypolyethylene or nitinol. In the embodiment in which the strips areformed of wires or other filamentous material, any suitable monofilamentpolymer, suture material, nitinol or stainless steel, or any othersuitable material, can be used. It should also be noted that theproximal and distal ends of strips 102 and 104, or the threads or fibersforming the struts, can be anchored around the tubes 62 and 64 using anysuitable adhesive or other suitable connection technique.

Further, strips 102 and 104, or the wires forming those struts, can havetheir distal ends angularly offset about the circumference of tubes 62and 64 relative to their proximal ends, and adhered that way. Such adevice is shown in the collapsed position in FIG. 14D. This results,upon deployment, in device 100 substantially assuming the configurationshown in FIG. 11D, where the tubes are rotated relative to one anotherupon deployment of device 60. However, this configuration is obtainedwithout the requirement of rotating tubes 62 and 64 relative to oneanother.

Devices 60, 84 or 100 can also be covered with the same type ofresilient material as layer 50 shown in FIG. 8. Further, devices 84 and100 can also have thread, suture material, polymer strands, or othersuitable material laced therethrough to form a mesh, such as that shownin FIG. 11C.

It should also be noted that, in accordance with the present invention,the expandable devices can be formed having different characteristicsalong their length. For example, FIG. 14E illustrates a device 110similar to device 100, which is formed by adhering strips of material112 to tubes 62 and 64. The distal ends of the strips 112 used to formdevice 110 are solid, while the proximal ends thereof are perforated. Asshown in FIG. 14F, device 110 thus has a proximal end which hassignificant additional perforations therein to allow blood flowtherethrough in the parent vessel, yet has a distal end which hassignificantly fewer gaps or apertures therein to provide significantlymore surface area for deflecting embolic material back into the sac ofthe aneurysm being treated.

However, the distal end of device 110 also has spaces between the stripsor struts 112 to allow for the escape of blood from the aneurysm uponthe insertion of embolic material therein.

This same type of affect can be accomplished using strips of materialhaving different overall configurations. For example, FIGS. 14G and 14Hillustrate strips 114 and 116 having a configuration wherein the distalends 122 and 123 have a greater surface area than the proximal ends 124and 125. Thus, devices formed with strips 114 or 116 yield a similaradvantage to device 110. The distal end of the device formed with strips114 or 116 has gaps or apertures therein which are smaller than those atthe proximal end. This allows substantial additional blood flow throughthe proximal end but provides a greater deflecting surface at the distalend. It should also be noted that any of the strips 112, 114 or 116 canbe partially or entirely perforated to provide substantial additionalblood flow throughout the entire longitudinal length of a device formedby such strips.

FIG. 14I illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 14I, wires or filamentous strands 132 are used to form a device130. The wires 132 have distal ends thereof attached to the inner tube62 and proximal ends thereof attached to the outer tube 64. Wires 132have different lengths. However, when tube 62 is fully extended withintube 64, such that the distal ends of the two tubes are separated fromone another, wires 132 lay substantially flat against the outside oftubes 62 and 64 to approximate the outer diameters thereof. When tube 62is retracted within tube 64 such that the distal ends approach oneanother, wires 132 deploy radially outwardly as shown in FIG. 14I.

FIGS. 15A-16D illustrate devices in accordance with yet another aspectof the present invention. The devices illustrated in these figures areself-expanding devices for treating an aneurysm. In general, the shapeof the device is restrained in the collapsed (generally tubular) formfor insertion into the vasculature and is then released to deployradially outwardly.

FIG. 15A illustrates device 140 in a deployed position. Device 140includes inner tube 62 and outer tube 64. Polymer or metal wires orstrands, or segments, 142 are set into a curved configuration and areattached at the proximal ends thereof about the outer circumference ofinner tube 62. When unconstrained, wires 142 deploy radially outwardlyas shown in FIG. 15A. Outer tube 64 has an inner diameter whichapproximates the outer diameter of tube 62. FIG. 15B shows that device140 is retained in a collapsed, generally tubular shape, by outer tube64 being advanced over wires 52 about inner tube 62. This urges wires142 to straighten and lie generally flat against the outer surface ofinner tube 62.

Strands 142 are preferably formed of any suitable material, such asnylon, teflon, polypropylene, nitinol, or stainless steel, and outer andinner tube 62 and 64 are also preferably formed of any suitablematerial, and can be formed of latex or polyurethane, or other suitablematerials.

FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate another embodiment of a device 150 inaccordance with the present invention. FIG. 16A illustrates that device150 is formed of an inner tube 62 and an outer tube 64. Outer tube 64has a distal end thereof split to form a plurality of expandable members152, which are attached by a hinge connection 154 to the proximalportion of outer tube 64. Inner tube 62 has a radially enlarged hub 156attached to the distal end thereof. Hub 156 has an annular, proximallyextending ring 158. Ring 158 has a proximal end 160 which forms aretaining surface. Expandable members 152 of outer tube 64 each have acorresponding surface 162 at the distal end thereof. Surfaces 162 andsurface 160 mate such that the distal ends of expandable members 152 arecaptured and retained in a radially collapsed position by surface 160 ofhub 158.

In order to deploy device 150 into the radially expanded position, innertube 62 (as shown in FIG. 16B) is advanced longitudinally with respectto outer tube 64 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 164. Thiscauses surface 160 of hub 156 to come out of engagement with surfaces162 of expandable members 152. Members 152 are preferably heatset at anoutward angle relative to inner tube 62. Therefore, when surface 160comes out of engagement with surfaces 162, the distal ends of expandablemembers 152 expand radially outwardly as shown in FIG. 16B.

FIG. 16C shows that once surfaces 160 and 162 are out of engagement withone another, and once members 152 have expanded radially outwardly asshown in FIG. 16B, inner tube 62 is withdrawn longitudinally relative toouter tube 64. This causes the annular ring terminating surface 160 tocontact interior surfaces 166 of expandable members 152. By continuingto pull tube 62 in the direction indicated by arrow 165, hub 158 causesexpandable members 152 to expand radially outwardly to the configurationshown in FIG. 16C. FIG. 16D is an end view of device 150 in the deployedposition taken from the distal end of device 150.

In order to remove device 150 from the vasculature, inner tube 62 isagain advanced distally with respect to outer tube 64 so that annularhub 156 is advanced to such a degree that surface 160 is out ofengagement, and clear of, the interior surfaces 166 of expandablemembers 152. In this way, expandable members 152 can expand backradially inwardly with respect to tube 62 during removal of device 150from the vasculature.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-16D, inner shaft 62 is preferablyformed of a suitable material, such as nylon, polyurethane orpolyethylene. Outer tube 64 is preferably formed of any suitablematerial, such as latex or polyurethane.

FIG. 17 illustrates one additional aspect in accordance with the presentinvention. FIG. 17 illustrates that substantially any of the devicesdisclosed herein can be fully or partially covered with a perforatedelastomeric sheath. FIG. 17 illustrates device 10 (shown in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 1-6) covered with elastomeric sheath 170.In the preferred embodiment, elastomeric sheath 170 creates additionalsurface area to deflect coils or other embolic material placed in theaneurysm being treated. In the preferred embodiment, elastomeric sheath170 can be formed of any suitable material, such as latex orpolyurethane.

As discussed above, inner tube 62 and outer tube 64 can be formed of anysuitable material. However, inner tube 62, when used to deliver embolicmaterial, preferably has an inner lumen with a polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) inner liner to provide lubricity for wire and coil movementtherethrough. The PTFE inner liner is preferably applied by dipping thetube or extruding the liner onto the tube.

In addition, in one embodiment, tubes 62 and 64 are formed of a round orflat stainless steel coil which includes a dipped or extruded polymerjacket or overcoat layer with the PTFE inner liner. The coil can also beformed of round or flat platinum or platinum/iridium, gold or othersuitable material.

Also, fiber braiding can optionally be substituted for, or used inaddition to, the coil wire layer. Also, the braid or the wire coils maybe interspersed at various locations along the longitudinal length ofthe tubes. This provides variable stiffness and flexibility zones alongthe longitudinal length of the tubes.

In addition, any wire coils which are used in the device can havecenterless ground areas so that the wires themselves have multiplediameter zones smaller than the original diameter. This tapered wire isthen wound to form the coil to provide variable stiffness zones alongthe longitudinal length of the catheter. This same type of grindingtechnique can be used with square or rectangular flat metal wire toprovide the same benefits.

It has been found that metal coil layers add pushability, kinkresistance, increased radiopacity, and increased burst strength to acomposite tube material. The use of flat wire as compared to round wireimproves the pushability, kink resistance and burst strength of thecatheter or tube, but may cause the tube to be less flexible. Suitablepolymer jacket materials for the tubes include nylon, polyurethane andpolyethylene.

Further, the tubes 62 and 64 can be formed of multiple-polymer shaftsconsisting of a stiffer polymer in the proximal region and a moreflexible polymer in the distal region. Additionally, differentcombinations of metal or polymer coils or braids, and differentcombinations of outer and inner jackets and sheaths can be employed toobtain different flexibility segments throughout the length of thetubes, as desired. Polyfusion extrusion techniques can also be used.

It should be noted that the devices described herein can be coated witha number of suitable coatings. Among the coatings which could be appliedare growth factors. A number of suitable growth factors include vascularendothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF),vascular permeability growth factor (VPF), basic fibroblast growthfactor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)

Referring now to FIG. 18, a side view of a wide neck multi-span bridge200 for treating an aneurysm is shown in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. Wide neck multi-span bridge 200 comprises ahypotube 201 with a length 203 and a circumference 204. In oneembodiment, hypotube 201 has a length of 3-5 mm. However, other lengthsmay be utilized without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Hypotube 201 contains a number of elongated slots 206 thatare formed along the length of hypotube 201. The number of slots 206formed into hypotube 201 is dependent on a number of petals to be formedwhen bridge 200 is subsequently transformed into a deployedconfiguration. Slots 206 are radially spaced along hypotube 201 aboutthe circumference 204 of hypotube 201. In one embodiment, slots 206 arelaser cut slots that are cut into hypotube 201. However, other methodsof forming slots 206 may be used, such as but not limited to machining.

Hypotube 201 is configured to move between at least two configurations,the first configuration being a collapsed or delivery configurationwherein the hypotube maintains its original length and circumference, asshown in FIG. 18, and a second deployed configuration wherein hypotube201 is expanded such that it is configured to span the neck 256 of ananeurysm 254, as is generally shown in FIG. 23. When hypotube 201 is inthe deployed configuration, slots 206 permit hypotube 201 to form aplurality of petals that are configured to span the neck 256 of theaneurysm 254.

FIG. 19 is a side view of clip assembly 210 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Clip assembly 210 comprises ahypotube 211 and a clip 212. Hypotube 211 has a single longitudinal slot216 machined into its surface. Other processes may be used to form slot216 such as but not limited to laser cutting. Slot 216 is positioned sothat clip 212 can pass through slot 216. Clip 212 is bonded to theinside of hypotube 211 and is configured to move from an unlatched to alatched position. The bonding between clip 212 and hypotube 211 can beaccomplished through welding, a chemical adhesive, or any otherattachment method. Further, clip 212 can be bonded longitudinally tohypotube 211, as shown in FIG. 19, or it can be bonded laterally tohypotube 211. If clip 212 is bonded laterally, slot 216 will also be cutlaterally to enable engagement of clip 212.

FIG. 20 is a side view an elongate member 230 (e.g. a pusher wire) shownin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Elongatemember 230 comprises an insulator layer 232, an inner tube portion 240,a radiologically opaque (“RO”) marker 222 and a Guglielmi DetachableCoil (GDC) detachment zone 250. As is illustrated, in order tofacilitate a detachment scheme that will be described below, zone 250 isnot covered by insulation layer 232. Inner tube portion 240 canillustratively be solid or hollow without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. In one embodiment, insulation layer 232 is aTeflon® and FEP insulation layer. However, other forms of insulation maybe used.

Inner tube 240 has a proximal end 242 and distal end 244. Distal end 244comprises GDC detachment zone 250. GDC detachment zone 250illustratively comprises desolvable material, and is provided to allowfor a motion free detachment of the most distal components of elongatemember 230. Distally located relative to the GDC detachment zone 250 isRO marker 222. Continuing distally along is an atramatic tip 220.Atramatic tip 220 is used to prevent damage to blood vessels when thedevice 230 is maneuvered through the body during a procedure to treat ananeurysm. Clip assembly 210, described in relation to FIG. 21, islocated between the atramatic tip 220 and RO marker 222.

FIG. 21 shows an enlarged view of a portion of elongate member 230 (FIG.20) with bridge 200 (FIG. 18) attached over clip assembly 210. FIG. 21shows bridge 200 in the delivery configuration aligned over both clipassembly 210 and the GDC detachment zone 250. As can be seen in FIG. 21,elongate member 230 has been extended from the distal end of a deliverytube or catheter 231. When bridge 200 is in the delivery configurationas illustrated, clip 212 is recessed or unlatched and does not preventbridge 200 from moving. Bridge 200 is illustratively restrained fromsliding off the distal end of elongate member 230. In FIG. 25, aproximal end of atramatic tip 222 has a larger diameter than thediameter 204 of bridge 200. However, other methods of restraining bridge200 may be utilized, such as a connection of the distal end of bridge200 to a proximal end of tip 220.

FIG. 22 shows bridge 200 in the deployed configuration. In the deployedconfiguration, bridge 200 forms a plurality of petal-like features 208for closing or occluding an aneurysm neck 256 such as in FIG. 23. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, bridge 200 has 5 petals 208. However,any number of petals may be utilized to span or occlude aneurysm neck256. When bridge 200 is deployed, clip 212 is latched and keeps bridge200 from returning or moving to its delivery configuration. Also, whenbridge 200 is deployed, the GDC detachment zone 250 is exposed. Deliverytube 231 is illustratively utilized to apply force against bridge 200,thereby transforming bridge 200 from the delivery configuration, whereinclip 212 is unlatched, to the deployed configuration wherein clip 212 islatched.

FIG. 23 shows bridge 200 deployed within the aneurysm 254. In thedeployed configuration, the plurality of petals 208 of bridge 200 spanand at least partially fill aneurysm neck 256. Clip 212 is latched andis holding bridge 200 in the deployed configuration. Delivery tube 231and the portion of elongate member 230 that is proximally locatedrelative to detachment zone 250 are removed following detachment atdetachment zone 250.

Referring to FIG. 23, during an operation to close or substantiallyobstruct a wide neck aneurysm, elongate member 230 is inserted throughdelivery tube 231 into a parent blood vessel 260 of a patient andmaneuvered into position at aneurysm neck 256. At that point, elongatemember 230 comprises the atramatic tip 220, clip assembly 210 and bridge200 covering clip assembly 210, GDC detachment zone 250, inner tubeportion 240 with insulation layer 232 and RO marker 222. RO marker 222allows an operator to navigate the device during the procedure. Uponreaching aneurysm 254 and neck 256, the operator manipulates tip 220such that it enters the neck 256 of aneurysm 254.

Upon entry into neck 256, the operator deploys bridge 200 by retractingelongate member 230 through delivery tube 231 (or by extending tube 231relative to member 230). When elongate member 230 is retracted, deliverytube 231 pushes on bridge 200 causing it to transform to the deployedconfiguration, and thereby causing petals 208 to span aneurysm neck 256.Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other formsof deployment may be used such as applying heat to bridge 200 to causeit to expand. As bridge 200 moves past clip 212, clip 212 engages orlatches thereby preventing bridge 200 from returning back to thedelivery configuration.

Following the latching of clip 212, delivery tube 231 is retracted orpulled back from clip assembly 210. This exposes both the RO marker 222and the GDC detachment zone 250. A small electrical charge is applied toelongate member 230 or the environment that surrounds detachment zone250, thereby causing the deterioration of GDC detachment zone 250. Thisresults in the detachment of bridge 200 from elongate member 230 in aprecise and motion free action. Elongate member 230 and tube 231 areretracted from the patient. Bridge 200, which spans the aneurysm neck256, remains deployed within aneurysm 254.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention coils or othermaterial may be injected into an aneurysm 254. Such materials may bedelivered at any point in the procedure, before or following deploymentof bridge 200. Such materials may be deployed through inner tube 240,through delivery tube 231, or through a separate delivery tube.

Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a different type ofaneurysm neck bridge. FIG. 24 illustrates a two basket aneurysm neckbridge 300, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Bridge 300 is illustratively formed from a length of tube 301 havingarrays or baskets 302 and 304 formed therein. However, two tubes can beused to form baskets 302 and 304 with one basket formed at a distal endof each tube. As illustrated, first basket 302 is located at a proximalend 311 of tube 301, and second basket 304 is located near a distal end313 of tube 301. Baskets 302 and 304 include a plurality of slots 306and 308 that are cut into tube 301. Slots 306 and 308 are illustrativelyformed by laser cutting. However, other methods of forming the slots 306and 308 may be utilized such as machining. Tube 301 is illustratively ashape memory tubing composed of a nitenol (NiTi) material. Other shapememory material can be utilized without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 24-1 through 24-5 show the expansion of one array or basket ofbridge 300 from a delivery configuration (FIG. 24-1) to an expanded ordeployed configuration (FIG. 24-5), such as during deployment or duringthe process of manufacturing bridge 300.

FIG. 25 shows first basket 302 and second basket 304 fully expanded to aflat petal configuration (the expanded or deployed configuration). Slots306 and 308 have expanded to allow the form a plurality of petals 312and 314, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, first basket302 and second basket 304 each comprise six petals. However, any numberof petals may be used to form each basket 302 and 304. In accordancewith one embodiment, during a manufacturing process, when first basket302 and second basket 304 are in the expanded configuration, as shown inFIG. 25, they are illustratively heat set to maintain the flat petalshape. Following heat setting, first basket 302 and second basket 304are constrained back to the initial hypotube shape or deliveryconfiguration. Without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, other deployment means can be enabled to expand baskets 302and 304.

FIG. 26 shows bridge 300 constrained in its hypotube (delivery) shapeand loaded into a delivery microcatheter 330. Bridge 300 is attached totube 310 at a GDC detachment zone 350. Other means forattachment/detachment may be utilized. GDC detachment zone 350 permitsmotion free detachment.

As shown in FIG. 27-1, in operation, microcatheter 330 is advancedthrough a parent blood vessel 366 until it reaches aneurysm 360. Uponreaching aneurysm neck 362 of aneurysm 360, microcatheter 330 isretracted back (or the inner device is extended) a slight distance toallow the deployment of only the first basket 302 inside aneurysm 360,as shown in FIG. 27-2. Following the deployment of the first basket 302,microcatheter 330 is retracted further (or the inner device is extended)to allow second basket 304 to expand outside aneurysm 360 and conform toparent vessel 366, as shown in FIG. 27-3. This results in aneurysm neck362 sandwiched between first basket 302 and second basket 304. However,other methods of deploying baskets 302 and 304 may be used, such as bychanging the temperature of the tube, and causing a transformation of ashape memory temperature dependent basket or array material.

Bridge 300 can be used in two ways; adjunctively or as a stand-alonedevice to treat an aneurysm such as aneurysm 360. When bridge 300 isused adjunctively, aneurysm 360 is filled or packed with coils or othermaterials. Such materials can be placed in aneurysm 360 at any time,such as following the placement of first basket 302 or may be placed inaneurysm 360 following the placement of second basket 304, as shown inFIG. 27, but prior to detachment from microcatheter 330. This adjunctivemode is particularly useful in treating wideneck aneurysms where coilsare not independently effective.

When bridge 300 is used as a stand along device the use of coils is notnecessary. However, coils may be utilized if desired by the treatingphysician. As a stand along device, second basket 304 is covered with anon-porous (elastomeric) material that prevents blood from entering theaneurysm 360 once second basket 304 is deployed across the neck 362 ofaneurysm 360. However, other materials may be used that prevent bloodfrom entering aneurysm 360. The stand alone configuration is beneficialin that it can be utilized in association with a wider variety ofaneurysm configurations.

Regardless of whether bridge 330 is used ajunctively or as a stand alonedevice, following the placement of second basket 304, bridge 300 isdetached from microcatheter 330 and tube 320. In one embodiment, a smallelectrical charge is provided at GDC detachment zone 350. Thiselectrical charge causes a break down of material such that bridge 300separates from tube 320 without having to move the microcatheter 330.However, other attachment or detachment means may be used to detachbridge 300 from tube 320. Following detachment, microcatheter 330 isremoved from the parent vessel leaving bridge 300 behind.

In accordance with one embodiment, a bridge similar to bridge 300 buthaving only one basket or array can be utilized to treat an aneurysm.Accordingly the single basket is deployed within the aneurysm and thendetached from an associated elongate delivery member. The single arrayis left in the aneurysm to independently at least partially occlude theneck. The single array device can be utilized adjunctively or as a standalone device.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A device for at least partially sealing an aneurysm, comprising: afirst elongate member having a distal end; a bridge positioned proximatethe distal end and transformable between a delivery configuration and adeployed configuration in which it forms a plurality of protrudingmembers that extend from, and are radially disposed around, the firstelongate member; a second elongate member that is movable relative thefirst elongate member, the first and second elongate members beingconfigured such that one can be moved relative the other in order totransform the bridge between the delivery and deployed configurations; aclip for retaining said bridge in the deployed configuration; and adetachment zone of material proximally located relative to the bridgeand the distal end of the first elongate member when said detachmentzone of material is in a connected configuration, wherein the detachmentzone of material is a GDC detachment zone.
 2. A device for at leastpartially sealing an aneurysm comprising: a first elongate member havinga proximal end, a distal end and an elongated length therebetween; aclip assembly attached proximate to the distal end of the first elongatemember and having a clip that is moveable between a first position and asecond position, said clip assembly comprising a tube having a slotformed therein and an extension piece that extends through the slot whenthe clip is in the second position and is retracted within the tube whenthe clip is in the first position; and a bridge positioned proximate tothe clip assembly and expandable between a delivery configuration whenthe clip is in the first position, and a deployed configuration when theclip is in the second position.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein aportion of the extension piece is attached within the tube.
 4. A devicefor at least partially sealing an aneurysm comprising: a first elongatemember having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated lengththerebetween; a clip assembly attached to the distal end of the firstelongate member and having a clip that is moveable between a firstposition and a second position said clip disposed substantially withinsaid bridge when in said first position, and said clip extending atleast partially outside of said bridge said bridge when in said secondposition; and a bridge positioned proximate to the clip assembly andexpandable between a delivery configuration when the clip is in thefirst position, and a deployed configuration in which it forms aplurality of protruding members that extend from, and are radiallydisposed around, the first elongate member, when the clip is in thesecond position such that said clip retains said bridge in the deployedconfiguration; and a detachment zone of material proximally locatedrelative to the clip when said detachment zone of material is in aconnected configuration, wherein the detachment zone of material is aGDC detachment zone.